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Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that has made its way into Western interior design. When using Feng Shui, the goal is to design a home that aligns with who you are as a person. It is also a way to ensure a space allows your energy (or “chi”) to remain positive and constant. And who doesn’t want that?

You don’t have to be a Feng Shui expert to apply some of its principles in the home. I’ve gathered five easy tips that even beginners can use!

1. Get rid of the clutter

We’re all guilty of creating clutter now and then – I know I am. Living in a cluttered home can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. An easy way to keep the junk from piling up is to do a quick de-clutter session once a week.

2. Ensure quality lighting

Dim lighting can drain our energy, so make sure each room has the right amount of light. For me, the best source of light is natural light. Installing various light sources is necessary, of course, so you can have light during evenings or in rooms without big windows.

Photo credit: Home Adore

3. Keep electronics out of the bedroom

This is hard, I know, but quality sleep and relaxation is essential for creating good energy. Not only does a TV or computer in the room tempt you to stay up later than planned, but electronics can also diminish your quality of sleep.

4. Let nature in

Nature is soothing and the five elements of Feng Shui (wood, earth, fire, water and metal) have a lot to do with the outdoors. Wooden furniture pieces, plants and an indoor water fountain are all great ways to add nature to your home.

5. Choose colors carefully

In Feng Shui, colors are important. For example, if I want a room to be relaxing, I could use the color blue to create a sense of calm. Here is a useful guide I found for choosing colors in Feng Shui.

Photo credit: Know Feng Shui

After applying some of these basic Feng Shui techniques, you might start to notice a change in how you feel at home. Feng Shui can help you feel happier, relaxed and more energized.

The concept of “design inspired by nature” has become a popular trend recently and it’s easy to understand why. According to the principle Biomimicry, nature has already found sustainable solutions to our design problems and can teach us how to create better living environments. Here are just four examples of how looking to nature can help you create a more soothing and efficient space.

Photo credit: BHG

1. Let the natural light in

Plants have already proved that sunlight is an excellent source for gathering energy, so why don’t we take more advantage of natural light? If you already have south-facing windows, open the shades and let the natural light fill your space. Otherwise, you might also consider installing skylights. You’ll be surprised at how this simple change will make you feel more energetic and happy during the day.

Photo credit: Top Inspired

2. Use recycled materials

As humans, we create a lot of waste from manufactured items. Nature, on the other hand, uses materials wisely and we could benefit from following its lead. Furnish your home with recycled pieces like light fixtures or tables. They’re just as stylish and you can feel better about reducing your impact on the environment.

3. Find new uses for old products

The cycle of life shown in nature can teach us a thing or two about repurposing items. You might not be able to use that old piece of luggage anymore when traveling, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the suitcase to meet a need somewhere else. Repurposing household items is a great way to reduce waste and give your space a unique look.

4. Bring natural products into your home

Are there times when you step outdoors and just feel instantly better? Nature tends to have that effect on people, so why not bring a bit of the outdoors inside to create a more soothing space? Naturally inspired furniture like jute rugs are becoming more and more popular, making it easy for you to create an organic space that boosts your mood.

When you’re stuck on a home decorating problem, look to nature for inspiration. Nature can help you create a space that makes you happy and is better for the environment.